Chad Ochocinco Follows Childhood Dream, Tries Out For Pro-Soccer

With the possibility of no 2011 NFL season looming, due to a lockout, flamboyant Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chad Ochocinco hopes to take his talents to another sport for the time being.

According to ESPN, the NFL star is trying out for Major League Soccer, which started Tuesday (March 15) for four days with the Sporting Kansas City.

The club told the network Wednesday (March 16) that after the tryout, it would determine whether to extend the trial period.

"We're always searching for players who can help our team and bringing in new talent," team manager Peter Vermes said. "We know that Chad is an exceptional athlete and that he loves the sport of soccer, and he did play a lot when he was younger. We're excited to see how his skills will translate once he arrives next week and begins training with our team."

Apparently, Ochocinco had played soccer as early as the age of 4, but chose to focus on football in high school.

For him, trying out for the MLS is a chance to chase the dreams he had as a child. "Due to the NFL lockout, I'm excited to be able to follow my childhood dream of playing for a Major League Soccer team."

The Sporting Kansas City will open their MLS season Saturday (March 19), hoping for a winning season, after narrowly missing the playoffs last year.

In other Ochocinco news, the NFL star was recently ordered to pay Cincinnati clothing store, Exclusive Wear, over $11,000 for an unpaid bill from 2009 and 2009.

He failed to show up in court, so by default, the judge ruled in the stores favor.